To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills if he will make a statement on the role and contribution of the adult residential colleges designated under section 28 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. (152335)

[holding answer 25 July 2007]: The adult residential colleges designated under section 28 of the further and Higher Education Act 1992 are a small, distinct group of colleges which were brought into the further education (FE) sector in 1993 in order to be eligible to receive public funding alongside other further education colleges.

The role of these colleges, which are all registered charities, differs according to their historical background but all focus primarily on helping adults who currently have either no or few qualifications often due to financial, personal or social barriers experienced in the past and who are seeking a return to learning. The residential facilities provide a network for personal and learning support encouraged through events and activities outside the formal timetable.

Courses range widely from those designated to develop personal skills and the basic skills necessary for employability to those resulting in formal academic and vocational qualifications. Some colleges also offer higher education courses or help prepare students for progression to university.

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the terms of reference are of the Learning and Skills Council's review of the adult residential colleges; and when he expects the review to report. (152336)

[holding answer 25 July 2007]: The Learning and Skills Council has commissioned work from RCU Market Research Unit which will comprise a wide ranging review of the four adult residential colleges (Hillcroft, Fircroft, Ruskin and Northern) in England. The review is underway and is looking at the following areas:

the curriculum offer, student profile and achievements, mission and ethos of the colleges;

value for money;

the residential bursary scheme, managed by Ruskin college on behalf of the four colleges;

the profile of the teaching and other staff in the four colleges;

other resources of funding that the four colleges receive;

the socio-economic benefits of the four colleges;

the Capital and disability Discrimination Act support the colleges receive.

The final report from the review is due in October 2007. It is not intended for publication as it will contain commercially sensitive data from which the individual colleges could be identified. The report will be used as intended by the LSC and the colleges to take work forward and review future funding and other arrangements for this provision.